PADRES NOTES: Headley's homer could help trade chatter

SAN FRANCISCO ---- Chase Headley's home run Wednesday in the first inning against the Giants at AT&T Park was impressive. By some accounts, it traveled 2,905 miles.

Yes, the wind was blowing out, but 2,905 miles?

OK, a stretch. But that's roughly the distance between San Francisco and New York, and in particular the Bronx, which is home to the Yankees.

With third baseman Alex Rodriguez out an estimated two months with a broken hand, the Yanks are in the market for a replacement ---- and Headley could possibly find his way into their shopping cart.

"We are still involved in many trade discussions,'' Padres general manager Josh Byrnes wrote via email from San Antonio. "As I have said, we don't need to make a series of trades for the sake of it. We are considering a few ideas, but nothing is imminent.''

But in connecting the dots, a swap of Headley, who reached a career high with his 12th home run, for a package which includes Yankees pitching prospects Dellin Betances or Manny Banuelos is viable.

The Padres have depth at third with Logan Forsythe and Jedd Gyorko, and with the Indians, A's and Pirates also interested in a hot corner occupant, might the Padres extract a king's ransom from New York?

Headley is aware of the chatter but said there's nothing he can do about it. What he controls is his play and his blast to nearly dead center in the Padres' 6-3 win over the Giants didn't go unnoticed by the pinstripes at East 161 Street and River Avenue.

"I know Josh is busy,'' manager Bud Black said. "There is no doubt the cell phones are working, they are texting, they are emailing, and they are on Skype, whatever they do.

Tim Stauffer continues to make progress and could be one bullpen session shy of pitching in an Arizona summer league game.

"I was able to cut it loose today and it felt great,'' said Stauffer, who has been out since May with a cranky elbow. "That is a good sign.''

The Padres have lost numerous pitchers to injuries this year, but Stauffer could be returning soon.

"He threw well,'' Black said. "He is getting a sense that he is getting closer. Like all players, he wants to play.''

Stauffer could be back on the Padres' active roster in three weeks. Although in what capacity ---- reliever or starter ---- will be determined.

Stauffer has been on the disabled list since May with a balky elbow.

Quick hits

Two Padres who've been on the mend appeared as ninth-inning defensive replacements Wednesday. OF
Cameron Maybin
and UTL
Alexi Amarista
both got into the game. Maybin indicated he was ready prior to the Padres' win. "It ain't up to me,'' said Maybin, just before missing his eighth straight start. "But I feel good and I'm ready to go for sure.'' ... P
Micah Owings
, who has been out since April with a forearm injury, had loose particles removed from his elbow Tuesday.